unique (only
example known), silver bowl for washing the fingertips before saying
Grace After Meals (Birkat Hamazon), on the Sabbath (missing the little
jug that would of hung from the hook at top), fully hallmarked as shown
and as explained in the last photos, dating to circa 1910 from Hanau,
Germany.

7 inches high, 5.25 inches wide, very hefty weight at 8.8
ounces. No damage or repairs. Stunning quality, a combination of casting
(the dolphin with the seahorse in its mouth), and great hand work all
around the bowl, with chasing / repousse of C-scroll designs, flowers,
and 17th century style Hebrew letters (notice the large dots / circles
in the center of each letter). The Hebrew words read "Harachaman Hu
Yifarneseynu Bechavod" (G-d is Compassionate! May He sustain us in His
honor!), which is said in the Grace After Meals blessing on the
Sabbath.

Silver objects for the Sabbath table dating from the turn of
the 20th century in Germany have survived in substantial numbers, and
with some effort and persistence (antique shows and sales), coupled
with a bankroll of perhaps $5,000 to $10,000, in a few years, a
collector will be able to purchase some goblets / cups, bread tray &
knife, candlesticks, all made for the Jewish market in Germany to be
used at the Sabbath table. But a bowl with jug for "Mayim Achronim"
(literally "Last Water", referencing this is to be used on the
fingertips right before the blessing said at the conclusion of the
Sabbath meal), is simply unknown. The maker of this piece likely copied
the original 17th century bowl to create this for the wealthiest of
Jewish-German society. That original bowl (now apparently lost, as it
would be quite famous today), if it was miraculously located, would
easily have a value of $250,000. This copy of that bowl, dating from
1910, appears, unfortunately, to be the only link to the original
piece.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a museum or
a sophisticated collector to own this important piece of German
Judaica.